terrancevAlbum Review #5: Pink Tape
Updated: 11 hours ago
This series explores the most important aspect of an artist's work- a full album!
For this series, I review studio albums that I think are between 8 and 10 (out of 10). This is my opinion, so don't expect anything factual.
This also means the exclusion of any albums that aren't counted as studio albums (i.e. single, mini, repackage, etc.).
Track 1: Rum Pum Pum Pum
Rum Pum Pum Pum is a great example of a single that's working off-kilter. The production is adventurous and bizarre, yet it doesn't forget the pop magic. The chorus is catchy and the group's vocal performance is outstanding! However, what makes this track stand out is the incredible instrumental, led by the looping bass guitar and the fun percussion section. It's a grower for some, but there's no denying how intriguing (and marvelous) it sounds!
Track 2: Shadow
Get ready to dive into the album more because it's going to be an adventure! Pink Tape is stuffed with multiple sounds. After witnessing the group's experimental single, we head into a different style that's more muted. Shadow might not work for all, but its production is admirable. The song is whimsical with a creepy undertone, making itself a unique entry in the group's discography.
Track 3: Pretty Girl
I'm not a huge fan of Pretty Girl, particularly due to the intro/ending and electric guitar stab. However, the group's vocal performance and the bombastic nature of this track are powerful enough to make Pretty Girl sound solid.
Track 4: Kick
To me, the album gains momentum when it lands on this track. Kick is one of those f(x) songs that are polarizing. You either love it or hate it. I stand on the former. It's intense, yet strangely produced. Whenever I hear this track, it reminds me a little bit of Nu ABO. Maybe that's why I enjoy Kick. This song is bonkers, but the girls find a way to make it work!
Track 5: Signal
The album finally hits a safe spot after going through some bold, experimental tracks. For those wanting a song that isn't unorthodox while offering an addictive sound, Signal is your safest bet. It's one of the album's highlights, thanks to its chill, disco-like production.
Track 6: Step
Out of the hard-hitting tracks on this album, Step makes a case for being the strongest. Its militant approach is admirable, as the girls offer charismatic vocal performances over brassy synths and distorted electronics. It's assertively fun!
Track 7: Goodbye Summer
While Goodbye Summer is one of the more typical-sounding songs on this record, it's refreshing to hear this style after going through the first half of the album. Recruiting EXO's D.O., this track pairs him up with three of the f(x) members to sing over an acoustic, summery track. It's simple, but all four boosted the track up with their lovely vocals!
Track 8: Airplane
Airplane is one of the most beloved f(x) tracks, single or not. It's easy to understand why. The track relies on the incredible buildup before heading into an odd chorus structure. The stop-start arrangement during the first half of the chorus is enough to make this song stand out, but let's not ignore the inspiring melodies and the compelling synthesizers. Other than Rum Pum Pum Pum, Airplane stands as the album's definite star!
Track 9: Toy
Alongside Step, Toy also makes a case for being an album standout out due to its vigorous tone. The girls deliver vocals that are full of personality, ensuring the song never goes dull. The track loses itself a bit during the bridge, but the combination of strings and dubstep makes this section worthwhile, right before heading into the satisfying climax!
Track 10: No More
From here, the album doesn't bring much to the table, but that doesn't mean the remaining tracks are bad. For No More, it's all about the group delivering a style that is short of cute. The doo-wop approach is the most notable aspect of the song. While there's nothing spectacular about No More, the resulting sound is still good and refreshing.
Track 11: Snapshot
Out of these last three songs, Snapshot is the most convincing material. The intro is a bit cheesy, but it leads into fun, jazzy verses with a power chorus in the middle of everything. While the track isn't near the likes of Step and Toy, it does more than enough to get its spotlight.
Track 12: Ending Page
As the album's ending, Ending Page should be expected to deliver something memorable. As strong as the production is, I think the track doesn't hit its full potential. A more uptempo beat would've been favorable, but its midtempo approach is well produced. It's another solid entry for the group, showcasing their ability to deliver different music styles.
OVERALL RATING: 8/10